Review of Stolid
Posted: 09 Jun 2023, 12:26
[Following is a volunteer review of "Stolid" by Aaron D Key.]
Stolid by Aaron D. Key is the third book in The Wheel of Eight series, but it can also be enjoyed as a standalone novel. The story follows Stolid, the main character, who unexpectedly finds himself soaked in freezing rain one night with no recollection of how he ended up there. In this vulnerable state, he encounters a stranger who insists that they know each other and offers him a ride to his intended destination. However, things take a sinister turn when the stranger takes him to a deserted area, raising suspicions in Stolid's mind. Despite his instincts telling him to escape, Stolid decides to stay and confront the stranger. The mysterious individual claims to have a connection to Stolid's past, but Stolid cannot recall ever meeting him. Intrigued, the stranger persuades Stolid to recount his life story, hoping to uncover clues about their shared history within the pages of his past experiences.
Stolid, an 18-year-old homosexual residing in suburban UK, leads a despondent existence marked by a lack of self-worth and a tendency towards introversion. Preferring the safety of his home, he isolates himself and struggles to envision a promising future. Continuously evading self-confrontation, Stolid embarks on a journey where he encounters both infatuation and love. However, despite these connections, he remains consumed by loneliness, as if trapped in his own emotional isolation. Curiously, he becomes adept at fleeing from moments of happiness, unaware of the reasons behind this self-sabotaging behaviour.
I found great pleasure in reading this book, and my favourite thing about it is the author's skill in crafting character-driven narratives. Through their writing, I developed a profound familiarity with the protagonist, Stolid, as if we had shared a history spanning many years. I experienced a deep connection with him during his moments of despair, felt sympathy for his losses, celebrated alongside him in moments of joy, and shed tears alongside him when his heart was broken. The author possesses a remarkable ability to weave a captivating story that blends elements of dreams with emotional depth and a sense of mystery. The melancholic and shadowy atmosphere that permeates the book adds to its emotional weight, whether it's the dreary residence where Stolid resides, the lifeless city he inhabits, or the evocative descriptions of the canal and the misty nights.
I give this book a perfect 5/5 stars, since there isn't anything I dislike about it. The text has been flawlessly edited, with only a few minor errors that I came across. While I previously mentioned that it works well as a standalone book, I'm strongly tempted to read the entire series. The gradual pace of the story, unveiling its mysteries and leaving us with more questions until the very end, effectively captures and maintains the reader's interest.
I highly recommend this book to individuals who appreciate poignant, character-driven narratives infused with dreamlike emotions. Moreover, the inclusion of a mystery element also makes it an engaging choice for fans of the genre.
Due to the presence of sensitive themes such as suicide, I would advise against recommending this book to individuals who may be sensitive to or deeply affected by such topics, as well as to children.
******
Stolid
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Stolid by Aaron D. Key is the third book in The Wheel of Eight series, but it can also be enjoyed as a standalone novel. The story follows Stolid, the main character, who unexpectedly finds himself soaked in freezing rain one night with no recollection of how he ended up there. In this vulnerable state, he encounters a stranger who insists that they know each other and offers him a ride to his intended destination. However, things take a sinister turn when the stranger takes him to a deserted area, raising suspicions in Stolid's mind. Despite his instincts telling him to escape, Stolid decides to stay and confront the stranger. The mysterious individual claims to have a connection to Stolid's past, but Stolid cannot recall ever meeting him. Intrigued, the stranger persuades Stolid to recount his life story, hoping to uncover clues about their shared history within the pages of his past experiences.
Stolid, an 18-year-old homosexual residing in suburban UK, leads a despondent existence marked by a lack of self-worth and a tendency towards introversion. Preferring the safety of his home, he isolates himself and struggles to envision a promising future. Continuously evading self-confrontation, Stolid embarks on a journey where he encounters both infatuation and love. However, despite these connections, he remains consumed by loneliness, as if trapped in his own emotional isolation. Curiously, he becomes adept at fleeing from moments of happiness, unaware of the reasons behind this self-sabotaging behaviour.
I found great pleasure in reading this book, and my favourite thing about it is the author's skill in crafting character-driven narratives. Through their writing, I developed a profound familiarity with the protagonist, Stolid, as if we had shared a history spanning many years. I experienced a deep connection with him during his moments of despair, felt sympathy for his losses, celebrated alongside him in moments of joy, and shed tears alongside him when his heart was broken. The author possesses a remarkable ability to weave a captivating story that blends elements of dreams with emotional depth and a sense of mystery. The melancholic and shadowy atmosphere that permeates the book adds to its emotional weight, whether it's the dreary residence where Stolid resides, the lifeless city he inhabits, or the evocative descriptions of the canal and the misty nights.
I give this book a perfect 5/5 stars, since there isn't anything I dislike about it. The text has been flawlessly edited, with only a few minor errors that I came across. While I previously mentioned that it works well as a standalone book, I'm strongly tempted to read the entire series. The gradual pace of the story, unveiling its mysteries and leaving us with more questions until the very end, effectively captures and maintains the reader's interest.
I highly recommend this book to individuals who appreciate poignant, character-driven narratives infused with dreamlike emotions. Moreover, the inclusion of a mystery element also makes it an engaging choice for fans of the genre.
Due to the presence of sensitive themes such as suicide, I would advise against recommending this book to individuals who may be sensitive to or deeply affected by such topics, as well as to children.
******
Stolid
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
